Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns renew their rivalry at FNB Stadium this weekend in a highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash.
Their last league meeting produced plenty of drama, ending in a 1-1 draw. Amakhosi took the lead before Brayan Leon equalised for 10-man Sundowns.
Chiefs pushed for a winner but were ultimately forced to settle for a point, with Brandon Petersen producing a crucial late save to preserve the draw.
The result ultimately benefited Orlando Pirates, who went on to win the last season.
Now, Chiefs and Sundowns meet again on Saturday, with plenty at stake. Amakhosi are looking to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign, while Masandawana will be desperate to return to winning ways.
Here are three players to watch in Saturday’s blockbuster encounter.
Langelihle Phili
The new Chiefs signing has impressed since arriving at the Soweto giants and already looks like a player capable of making things happen in the final third.
Phili possesses the pace and attacking threat to trouble the Sundowns defence. If he is given too much space, he could create problems for Masandawana and potentially find the back of the net himself.
Chiefs have to stop Sundowns top striker Leon
Brayan Leon
Leon looks to have picked up where he left off last season.
After missing the MTN8 encounter against Polokwane City, the Colombian striker returned to the starting lineup against TS Galaxy and immediately made an impact by getting on the scoresheet.
Leon will provide a major test for the Chiefs defence with his movement and physical presence. Having already established himself as one of the leading Golden Boot contenders, he will be eager to add more goals to his tally early in the campaign.
Luke Baartman
The 20-year-old has started the season in red-hot form and is another Chiefs attacker Sundowns will need to keep a close eye on.
Baartman has shown confidence and directness in attack, and if he gets the nod from the start, he could give the Sundowns defence plenty of problems with his movement and ability to take on defenders.
Chiefs need all three points to maintain their position at the top of the table and keep their early-season momentum going, but a defeat could halt their impressive start, giving Sundowns a much-needed boost.
With both sides possessing dangerous attacking players, Saturday’s clash could come down to which team’s key individuals produce when it matters most.
